Oct. 25, 2003

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn.-- - Freshman midfielder Brad Whitsitt made his first career goal an important one as he provided Memphis with the game-winning score in the 62nd minute of the Tigers' 2-1 victory over Alabama A&M at Echles Field on Saturday. The win increased Memphis's winning streak to a season-high three games.

After a scoreless first half of action, Memphis got on the board first in the 55th minute when defender Justin Dyer flicked a pass, off a Dayton O'Brien corner kick, through the A&M defense to Daniel Dobson who knocked home the goal from three-yards out.

Memphis seemingly put the game away with Whitsitt's goal at the 61:50 mark of the second period. Andy Metcalf beat the Bulldog defense and unselfishly passed to Whitsitt who settled, took a dribble and blasted his first career goal inside the crossbar for a 2-0 Tiger lead.

Alabama A&M made the contest interesting in the 70th minute, when midfielder Keston Lewis beat Tiger keeper Sebas Vecchio to a pass for a score into an empty net.

The Tiger defense was then able to hold on the Bulldogs for the reaminder of the contest to secure the win.

Memphis outshot Alabama A&M 15-7 in the match and maintained a 7-2 lead in corner kicks. The Bulldogs were called for 20 fouls to the Tigers' eight in the game.

Vecchio made four saves in goal for Memphis, while A&M keeper Andrew Jjombwe made three saves in a losing effort.

"I thought we played well tonight," said head coach Richie Grant. "We looked very organized, we defended well and we capitalized on our chances. This was a solid performance in preparation for Saint Louis"

Memphis will return to league on Wed. Oct. 29, when they travel to Saint Louis to face the Billikens in a critical C-USA match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.